Benchtop Lathes – Also known as a mini lathe, benchtop wood lathes are small enough to fit on top of a workbench and often have holes drilled into the feet to be bolted onto the bench for added stability. More often than not, benchtop lathes are not the most powerful models available but can still surprise.  The best wood lathes allow for multiple speed settings, allowing you to shape different types of wood or materials as needed. Capacity. Depending on the type of projects you intend to make, the capacities of a wood lathe are either extremely important or just a nice bonus to have. The best wood lathes should be fairly quiet for a couple of reasons. The first is what it can prevent excess noise that can be frustrating when working near it. The second is because the person using the tool needs to be able to hear the cutting tool and lathe interact to determine they are working the way they should be. Wood Lathe Capacity. The capacity of a lathe can be determined by the maximum swing and the distance between centers. When there is a large distance between centers, larger pieces of wood can be turned using a lathe. A greater swing means that larger diameter wood blanks won’. Best Wood Lathe | Reviewed By Experts. Whether you are the woodworker by passion or by profession, this article is the right content for you. For this woodworking, you need more tools and best wood lathe tool is one of them. With the help of this tool, you can make various types of things such as pens, drawer pulls, door handle, wooden bowels, and so much more.  To pick the wood lathe, we bring here a list of the best one. Not only we pick the best one for you but we try to give you a better buying guideline. Plus, we present some common questions with the answer which maybe come in your mind during choosing anyone from the list.  Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Wood Lathe. Pros. Variety of accessories. A metal lathe can be used with quite a few elements such as wood, aluminum, copper, steel, brass, etc. Admittedly, a closer look at reviews for this product reveals that it may not be best for professional or hardcore woodworkers, as could already be deduced from its affordability. Metal lathes cannot be made using DIY as it involves a higher level of implementation and design. Cons High price compared to other mini lathes Manual speed adjustment. We understand your frustration, which is why we put together a handy Wood Lathe Comparison Chart to help you cut through all the noise. It struggles best benchtop wood lathes zoom harder materials like best benchtop wood lathes zoom although it is manageable with the right technique and using lower speeds. However, we believe that one machine provides the added features and versatility necessary to be crowned as the best benchtopp wood lathe.

The spindle lock, the ratchet, the pulley system and the digital RPM readout This lathe is fairly heavy which means stability , weighing in at nearly 90 pounds. Arguably the most trusted name in wood lathes, JET manufactures several different high-end lathes. This lathe features a powerful one horsepower motor that offers variable speed range of , RPM. Other intuitive features like 24 indexing positions, Acme thread-in tailstock, and ergonomic controls make the JWLVS one of the most comfortable and full-featured lathes available.

Jet also makes a full line of accessories and add-ons for this product. The expansive swing makes this lathe a reliable choice for turning bowls, plates, and other wide objects.

Similar to the JWLVS we just discussed, this lathe features a patented belt tension system, which makes for lightning-fast speed changes, providing turners with superior control over their work. The system sets the belt at the proper belt tension every time, so you can focus more on your work and less on adjusting your lathe.

A smooth forward and reverse function allow you to achieve the best and most consistent finish on all your work without needing to remount your workpiece in the opposite direction. This extension makes the a smart choice for anyone who is looking to start with a more modest mini-lathe before moving onto a bigger machine. For novice turners who are looking to learn the trade on an affordable lathe without sacrificing performance, the from RIKON might be a wise choice for you.

Five variable speeds allow you to set the proper RPM for a variety of applications. With all cast-iron construction and vibration-dampening rubber feet, this lathe offers the professional feel of a more expensive machine without the price tag. RIKON stands behind this tool with a five-year warranty.

A top-quality lathe in a compact package, the Grizzly Industrial is a smart choice for experienced woodworkers who care about power, swing, and value. It has a variable speed control 3 speeds , allowing you to dial in the right speed for the job, and a digital screen displays spindle speed at all times. The solid cast-iron construction and vibration dampening rubber feet help to ensure that this lathe is smooth, stable, and ready for decades of use.

Pre-assembled sets are a great way to save money while ensuring you have the necessary tools you need to get started. Beyond the basics, there are several other tools that experienced woodworkers need to keep in their arsenal. These tools include roughing gouges, bowl gouges, skew chisels, parting tools, and more. Once you have a better idea of those factors, consider the characteristics we discussed above, like power, speed, capacity, and stability.

There is a mix of manual and automatic speed adjustment in this lathe. It has a manual three-belt system with a dial for automatic speed adjustments within each of the three ranges. The RPM is shown on a digital display panel for better control over your speed. Stability: This lathe is made of cast iron and has great stability without needing to be bolted down.

Portability : The Nova Comet II weighs 82 pounds which is about average for a lathe with a inch swing. It is on the larger, heavier side of mini lathes so it is less portable than other mini wood lathes. Extras: This machine comes with a 3-inch faceplate, a 6-inch tool rest, reversible rotation, a spur drive center, a live tailstock center, a knockout bar, and a tailstock handwheel unit.

Overall: This mini wood lathe is a good all-rounder. It is on the higher end of size and strength while still being portable enough to travel with.

Swing: There is an option to buy a base extender which will increase the center-to-center up to 42 inches, allowing you to turn longer items. Motor: 1 HP. This is the most powerful motor available in mini wood lathes which is ideal for turning larger items that can strain smaller motors.

Variable speed: Like the Nova Comet II , there is a three-belt pulley system with various speeds within each range. It does not have a digital display but does have a chart showing the speed at each dial setting within the three ranges for easy use.

Stability: This lathe weighs 97 pounds and is made of cast iron giving it great stability, especially when turning larger items. Extras: This machine comes with a live center, reverse function, knockout bar, 6- and inch tool rests, 30inch faceplate, wrenches for speed adjustment , and a tool holder for adjustment wrenches. Overall: This mini wood lathe is perfect for those wanting to turn larger items like bowls and furniture legs.

You get most of the function of a full-size lathe for a lower price and less space taken up in your workshop. Motor : 3. Only slightly less powerful than the average mini wood lathe. It does restrict the amount of wood you can take off in one pass but works well enough for beginners and those wanting to turn small items. Instantly adjustable using a dial, no extra manual changes necessary. Stability: The WEN mini wood lathe is not a very heavy machine but can be bolted onto a workbench or stand for additional stability.

Portability: This lathe weighs just under 45 pounds and can easily sit on your workbench then be stored somewhere else when not in use. Its size and weight also make it a good option for those who want to travel with their lathe.

Extras: This machine comes with two different-sized tool rests, a knockout rod, a flat wrench, and a 2. Overall: This lathe is cheaper than many comparable mini wood lathes. Swing: 5. The motor works well for wood blanks. It struggles with harder materials like acrylics although it is manageable with the right technique and using lower speeds.

Variable speed: 0 to RPM. Speed is adjusted using a dial; no need to stop the lathe while changing speed. Stability: This lathe comes with a flange and can be bolted to a work surface for stability.

Portability: At just 15 pounds, this mini wood lathe is ideal for moving it around your workshop and traveling. You could even take it on holiday with you as it will easily fit into a car or caravan and can be set up on any sturdy table or stand.

Extras: This lathe comes with a pen mandrel shaft with collet closer nut for mounting, a mandrel saver, five 7mm bushings, a 7mm drill bit, and two collet wrenches. Overall: Although it is quite limiting in terms of the different items you can make, if you are primarily interested in turning pens or miniatures, or if you have concerns about weight and size, this is the lathe for you.

This is the most powerful motor available on a mini wood lathe but is surprisingly quiet. Variable speed: 60 to RPM. The speed of this lathe is a combination of digital and manual, controlled by three belts.

Each belt allows you to work within a range of speeds, displayed on an LCD screen, that can be adjusted using a rotating dial. The belt only needs to be changed manually when a different range is required. Stability and portability: This is the largest, heaviest cast iron lathe that still qualifies as a mini wood lathe.

It is very heavy, and many users mount this lathe to a separate stand where it can stay, rather than using up their workbench surface, as it is difficult to move. This is not a good option if you want to travel with your lathe.

However, if you want to try your hand at eccentric woodturning , the weight and stability of this lathe are ideal. Extras: This machine includes a reversible rotation feature, a tool rest, and an indexing head. It is more expensive than most mini wood lathes but also offers a stronger motor and more control over your speed.

The motor comes with cooling fins preventing it from overheating. It is quiet but powerful enough for a smooth turning experience.

Variable speed: Limited to 5 settings — , , , , and RPM. Changing the speed is a manual process using a belt and pulley system that can disrupt your flow of work. Most users find the manual setting easy to understand and use, although it might be difficult for younger users. Stability: Most of this lathe is made from cast iron, making it very sturdy and allowing you to forgo the need to bolt it to your workbench.

The weight, combined with the rubber feet, minimizes vibrations for a smooth turning experience. Portability : This lathe is on the heavier side at 74 pounds but is the most portable inch lathe. Extras: This machine comes with rubber feet, one tool rest, a spur center, a live center, a 6-inch tool rest, and a set of wrenches for speed adjustment.

Overall: This mini wood lathe is great for beginners and more experienced turners alike. It is easy to set up and use and can handle a variety of woods and project types. This is the most powerful motor for a lathe with a inch swing and more powerful than some lathes with a inch swing. Variable speed : to RPM split by two belt positions with adjustments made using a dial. Stability: Made of cast iron and weighing 82 pounds, this mini lathe is heavy with a sturdy base ensuring stability.

Portability: This mini lathe is quite heavy but comes with well-placed handles to move the lathe to another place more easily. Extras : Handles, 6-inch tool rest, tool rack, 3-inch faceplate, spur drive center, tailstock live center, set of 4 hex wrenches, rubber feet, knockout rod, Philips screwdriver, adjustable light source, and safety goggles.

Overall: This is a powerful mini wood lathe with a decent swing size. It is a good option no matter your level of expertise as it can handle a variety of materials and rough treatment. One negative to note is the poor quality of the light attachment. This is the most powerful motor for a mini wood lathe. You will be able to use a variety of materials for projects without compromising on stability, details, or the smoothness of the finish.

Extras : Handles, 6-inch tool rest, inch tool rest, tool rack, 3-inch faceplate, spur drive center, tailstock live center, set of 4 hex wrenches, rubber feet, knockout rod, Philips screwdriver, adjustable light source, and safety goggles. Overall: Like its smaller, inch model, this is a powerful mini wood lathe with a decent swing size. A common complaint is the poor quality of the light attachment. Items you can turn include medium-sized bowls, as well as the usual smaller items.

There is also an extension available for longer work. Motor: 4. This is an average motor for a mini wood lathe that can handle rough and hard wood although it does better with prepared stock. Variable speed: 5 Speeds — , , , and RPM. While not as versatile as other mini wood lathes, the variable speeds on this lathe covers the basics that you will need when woodturning.

Changing speeds is manual and based on a belt and pulley system. Stability : This mini lathe is made of cast iron and its heavy base ensures stability, preventing walking and wobbling, even at high speeds. Larger items might affect the stability as it is lighter than other inch mini wood lathes, and the lathe should be bolted down when turning large items.

Portability: At 70 pounds, this lathe is more portable than many of the others on this list. It is the lightest lathe with a inch swing making the most portable of the larger mini wood lathes. The head- and tailstock are tapered for compatibility with accessories.

Overall: If you are wanting to try your hand at making bowls and larger items than pens and miniatures, this is a great lathe that will accommodate larger pieces. It is also the lightest of the larger mini lathes making a good option for traveling with. Motor: 2 Amp approx. Larger items can cause the lathe to wobble slightly. Portability: At just over 40 pounds, this mini lathe is more portable than most and can easily be moved from the workbench to a cupboard or storage area.

Extras: 5-inch faceplate, two tool rests of different sizes, a flat wrench, a knockout rod, a headstock spur center, and a tailstock cup center. Overall : This is a great standard mini wood lathe. It is much cheaper than other comparably sized models and runs well. There are also multiple extension beds available for this model. This is a standard motor size for a mini wood lathe. It will allow you to turn most projects easily but might struggle with some of the larger projects at high speeds.

Variable speed: Six speeds — , , , , , and RPM. This lathe needs to be manually adjusted to change the speed. This can disrupt the flow of your work as you will need to stop the machine before changing the speed.

However, the mechanism is easy to use with a quick-access panel and handy chart for determining the ideal speed. Stability: This lathe weighs 88 pounds, making it very sturdy. It can also be bolted to a bench or stand.

The available stand for this model can be adjusted to your preferred work height. Portability: As it is one of the heavier mini wood lathes, the portability of this lathe is limited compared to others but it does come with flip-up handles for when you do need to move it. Extras: This mini wood lathe comes with flip-up handles, an 8-inch tool rest, a self-ejecting tailstock no need for a knockout bar , a 12 position indexing head, an adjustment wrench, and a tool holder.

Overall: This is a large, solid lathe with a good motor that will allow you to turn bigger pieces than most mini wood lathes. One of the weaker motors for a mini lathe. It struggles with harder materials, especially at lower speeds, but is great for smaller items and softer woods.

Stability : This mini wood lathe is made from cast iron, the weight of which adds to the stability when turning. It can also be bolted to a workbench or stand for additional stability. Portability: Weighing just over 50 pounds, this lathe is lighter than comparable lathes making it easier to move around your workshop and better than others for traveling.

The tool rests are quite rough which could affect the quality of the finish on your projects. It has a kid-friendly speed adjustment dial and easy-to-understand operating instructions for training the next generation of woodturners. Unless you are planning to make large bowls and furniture legs, you are unlikely to need anything much larger than a mini wood lathe. Whether you are a beginner or have years of experience under your belt, as your skills progress you will still get everything you need from your mini lathe without needing to upgrade.

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